The U.S. Department of State has announced a new premium service that will allow eligible visitor visa applicants to secure a U.S. visa interview appointment within 10 business days—for an additional $750 fee.
The initiative, published in the Federal Register, is designed as a pilot program to reduce the impact of long visa appointment waiting times experienced by travelers worldwide.
While the new option could be a welcome solution for business travelers and tourists with urgent travel plans, officials emphasize that the premium payment does not guarantee visa approval or influence the outcome of a visa interview.
What Is the New $750 Fast-Track Visa Service?
Beginning July 1, 2026, eligible applicants for B-1 Business and B-2 Tourist visas may pay an additional $750 premium processing fee to receive an expedited visa interview appointment.
The service aims to provide interview appointments within 10 business days, provided slots are available at participating U.S. embassies and consulates.
The pilot program will run for six months, ending on December 31, 2026.
Total Cost of the Premium Service
Applicants choosing the expedited interview option will pay:
- Standard Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) Fee: $185
- Premium Expedited Interview Fee: $750
Total Upfront Cost: $935
The premium fee is optional, and applicants may still use the traditional visa appointment process at the regular cost.
Who Is Eligible?
The fast-track option is available only for:
- B-1 Business Visitor Visa applicants
- B-2 Tourist Visa applicants
- Applicants applying at participating U.S. embassies and consulates
The Department of State will publish and update the list of participating locations.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The premium interview service does not apply to:
- Student visas (F-1)
- Exchange visitor visas (J-1)
- Work visas (H, L, O and others)
- Family-sponsored immigrant visas
- Employment-based immigrant visas
- Citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
These travelers must continue using existing appointment procedures.
Important: Paying More Does NOT Improve Approval Chances
One of the most important aspects of the new program is that the $750 payment only accelerates the interview appointment.
It does not:
- Increase the chances of receiving a visa
- Influence the consular officer’s decision
- Speed up administrative processing
- Expedite additional security checks or background reviews
If a visa application requires further administrative processing after the interview, applicants must still wait through the normal review timeline.
How to Apply for the Premium Interview Appointment
Applicants interested in the expedited service should follow these steps:
Step 1: Complete Form DS-160
Submit the online DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
Step 2: Pay the Standard Visa Fee
Pay the regular $185 MRV application fee.
Step 3: Schedule a Regular Interview
Book a standard interview appointment through the normal visa scheduling system.
Step 4: Upgrade to Premium (If Available)
If your embassy or consulate participates in the pilot and premium appointments are available, you may choose to upgrade your appointment.
Step 5: Complete Payment Quickly
Once a premium slot becomes available, applicants will receive a strict 5- to 10-minute payment window to complete the $750 payment.
Failure to pay within that timeframe will result in the appointment being released to another applicant.
Why Is the U.S. Introducing This Program?
Many U.S. embassies have struggled with lengthy visitor visa appointment backlogs following the pandemic.
In several countries, applicants have faced waiting periods stretching several months before obtaining an interview date.
The premium service is intended to provide an optional solution for travelers who need to visit the United States urgently for:
Officials say the program will also help consular posts better manage appointment demand while generating additional revenue to improve visa operations.
What This Means for Diaspora Families
For many diaspora families, visitor visas are essential for bringing parents, siblings, relatives, or friends to the United States for graduations, weddings, holidays, family reunions, or important life events.
The new premium option could benefit travelers facing urgent deadlines, but the additional $750 fee places the service beyond the reach of many families.
Applicants should carefully weigh whether the faster appointment justifies the extra expense, especially since it does not improve the likelihood of visa approval.
Key Takeaways
- The program begins July 1, 2026.
- It runs until December 31, 2026 as a pilot.
- Available only for B-1 and B-2 visitor visas.
- Premium fee: $750.
- Total application cost: $935.
- Interview appointments targeted within 10 business days.
- Only available at selected U.S. embassies and consulates.
- Does not guarantee visa approval.
- Does not speed up administrative processing.
As the pilot rolls out, travelers are encouraged to monitor updates from the U.S. Department of State regarding participating embassies and appointment availability.
